Expectations are soaring for BYU’s football team in 2025, and not just because the Cougars went 11-2 in 2024, walloped Colorado 36-14 in the Alamo Bowl and return a lot of the key players from what has to be viewed as one of the best seasons in program history.
Perhaps lost in the euphoria is the fact that head coach Kalani Sitake was able to retain his entire coaching staff, which was no small feat. Several of the assistant coaches, most notably defensive coordinator Jay Hill and defensive backs coach Jernaro Gilford, turned down opportunities to go elsewhere.
“BYU is so blessed to have a man like (Jernaro Gilford) who has been there for nine years. He should be there for the next 20.”
— Former BYU DB Rob Daniel
In Gilford’s case, keeping the former standout BYU cornerback required a promotion. In naming Gilford defensive passing game coordinator on Feb. 7, a promotion that was accompanied by a significant salary bump, defensive coordinator Jay Hill and Sitake sent the message that Gilford is as valued as any coach on the staff.
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Mostly known as an ace recruiter who has improved the talent, speed and playmaking ability in the cornerbacks room, Gilford has also proven to be a capable strategist and schemer, Hill said in a BYU news release.
“Jernaro has proved to be one of the top secondary coaches in the country,” Hill said. “Last year, he helped us (develop into) one of the best pass defenses in the nation and lead the country in interceptions. He deserves everything in coaching that comes to him. I love having him on our staff. Jernaro makes our team better every day.”
In 2023, Gilford was a Broyles Award nominee for the nation’s top assistant coach. His…
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Publish date : 2025-05-19 18:09:00
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